People
When a thing ceases to be a subject of controversy, it ceases to be a subject of interest.
— William Hazlitt ‧ "On The Spirit of Controversy," The Atlas (1830-01-30)
Behind the line May contain spoilers.
Our reading
An editorial interpretation.
The speaker ties continued interest in a subject to continued controversy about it. When the disagreement ends, interest is said to end with it. This presents argument as part of what holds attention, giving the remark a pointed view of how people remain engaged with a topic.
Context reviewed